Did Alok Verma push his luck too far after the SC verdict?

Two days after he resumed office, CBI Director Alok Verma was shunted out by the Selection Panel on the basis of the Central Vigilance Committee’s recommendations. The Selection Panel — headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consisting of Justice AK Sikri of the Supreme Court and Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge — posted Verma as Deputy General (Fire Services) Civil Defence and Home Guards, which comes under the Union Home Ministry.

Verma was moved out of the CBI as the CVC suggested that a detailed investigation, including criminal investigation, was necessary into his actions. Taking into account the extremely serious nature of observations made by the CVC, the Selection Panel felt that Verma was not functioning with the integrity expected from the head of a very sensitive organisation.

In a statement, Verma said it was “sad” that he was transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the committee. He said the committee was assigned the task of deciding his future course of action as the CBI director.

Elaborating on his exit, Verma said, “The CBI must function without external influences. I have tried to uphold the integrity of the institution while attempts were being made to destroy it. The same can be seen from the orders of the central government and the CVC dated October 23, 2018 which were without jurisdiction and were set aside,” he said. “I have stood up for the integrity of the institution, and if asked will do it again in order to uphold the rule of law.”

Verma’s comment on his transfer was condemned by former solicitor-general Mukul Rohtagi. He said, “Don't think Alok Verma's statements are in good taste. If PM and a senior SC judge,after seeing CVC report, gave a decision, then its not fair for Verma to say the decision is bad. Government should have settled this earlier. It has spoilt the name of the CBI.”

The shabby treatment meted out to Verma surprised many IPS officers. Verma had after all been Delhi Police Commissioner before being appointed to the CBI. Many wished the officer had only gone out in a blaze of glory and not tried pushing the envelope after the SC restored his job.

“If only Verma had gracefully bowed out — taken voluntary retirement after the Supreme Court restored his position — he would have at least gone away with dignity. What was the need for him to transfer his favourite officers back to Delhi? The apex court had after all imposed restrictions on taking policy decisions. I’m sure his action would have irritated SC judge AK Sikri on the panel. Verma could have waited for a few days more,” pointed out an ex-IPS officer.

However, former CBI director DR Kartikeyan felt that though the government may not have treated Verma in a proper manner —sending him on leave at midnight—its action on Thursday cannot be disputed . “The Selection Panel’s actions are based on recommendations of the CVC. The process and procedure cannot be questioned. It brings a closure to this episode.”

In its inquiry, CVC found evidence that Verma had tried to influence the investigation in the Moin Qureshi case. There was also evidence of him taking of a bribe of Rs 2 crore. CVC was of the view that his conduct in the case is suspicious, and there is a prima facie case against him. The CVC also felt that the entire truth will come out if a criminal investigation is ordered. In the IRCTC case (involving RJD leader Lalu Prasad) the CVC felt that it can be reasonably concluded that Verma deliberately excluded a name from the FIR, for reasons best known to him.

The CVC has now found evidence against Verma in several other cases as well. The CVC also found instances of wilful non-production of record, and fabrication of record. The Committee also took note of Verma's attempts to induct officers of doubtful integrity into CBI. In response to the insinuation that he was not given a chance to be heard, official sources pointed out that Verma was given an opportunity to present his case before the CVC, in presence of Retd. Justice Patnaik.

Oddly, the Modi government hasn’t been lucky in its choice officers to top posts. Both the outgoing CBI director and his rival, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, were handpicked by BJP chief Amit Shah and have been a source of major embarrassment for the government.

Recent Messages ()

Please rate before posting your Review

OR PROCEED WITHOUT REGISTRATION

Share on Twitter

SIGN IN WITH

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.